I often wonder why horrific things happen to genuinely kind people. I wonder how I will cope when my parents are no longer alive. I wonder what my own children will one day become. I wonder.
Last week, I wondered with my students. I explained my wonders and "what ifs" and then let them write. Bravely, they each took a deep breathe and began scribbling in their notebooks. Some were short. Others filled every minute. Next, students wrote their biggest wonder on a notecard and anonymously turned them in. I read them aloud.
"What if I don't make it in college?
"Why does everyone have such high expectations that we will ALL go to college?"
"How do I make good friends?"
"Death"
"What's really in outer space?"
"I worry that we will run out of money to pay medical expenses."
They were deep. End-of-the-pool-with-the-high-dive kind of deep. And then, they talked.
We ran our usual Fishbowl Friday, except this one was anything but typical. Every moment was filled with a personal story, connection, or question. Every student in the circle was engaged. Conversation flowed around the circle, sometimes heated, sometimes reflective. Questions led to questions. Controversy snuck in. Kindness and consoling returned.
Last week, I wondered with my students. I explained my wonders and "what ifs" and then let them write. Bravely, they each took a deep breathe and began scribbling in their notebooks. Some were short. Others filled every minute. Next, students wrote their biggest wonder on a notecard and anonymously turned them in. I read them aloud.
"What if I don't make it in college?
"Why does everyone have such high expectations that we will ALL go to college?"
"How do I make good friends?"
"Death"
"What's really in outer space?"
"I worry that we will run out of money to pay medical expenses."
They were deep. End-of-the-pool-with-the-high-dive kind of deep. And then, they talked.
We ran our usual Fishbowl Friday, except this one was anything but typical. Every moment was filled with a personal story, connection, or question. Every student in the circle was engaged. Conversation flowed around the circle, sometimes heated, sometimes reflective. Questions led to questions. Controversy snuck in. Kindness and consoling returned.
What was most fascinating about this particular Friday discussion was the depth and passion in it. Students were not shy; they did not shrink at the idea of sharing their concerns and hopes. I think it may have even been a little surprising to them as well to learn how similar they are despite their various shades, hair styles, and extra curricular activities. It was awesome!
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| One #FriendEng3 student comment |
Tomorrow, my English 3 kiddos return to class to write their "what ifs" and "I wonders" in a form of their choice - poem, blog, TED talk, essay. I cannot wait to see what they can do. We've worked on crafting sentences and using words in ways that move our readers; I know already that I'll be moved by their words. So often, Sunday afternoon brings a little dread while kissing another weekend goodbye and returning to the work world again. Today, however, the dread is missing.
Because tomorrow, I get to read my students' hearts.
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